As local authorities, you know as well as we do that there’s a hidden hazard lurking in many of the gifts and gadgets we love: small batteries. From children’s toys and power tools to vapes and even musical greeting cards, batteries are everywhere. We all want to enjoy a safe and joyful festive season, but if not disposed of properly, these batteries can cause devastating fires at home and in our recycling centres.
This year, FCC Environment and local authorities are urging everyone to take extra care with battery disposal. The message is simple: never put batteries or items containing batteries in your household bins. Instead, we are encouraging the public to take them to a battery recycling point at your local recycling centre, participating shops, or if unsure, let the experts at your recycling centre check it for you.
Improper disposal of batteries remains a leading cause of fires in both domestic and municipal waste stream. Across the UK, incidents of fires caused by hidden batteries have been on the rise. In 2023 alone, the National Fire Chiefs Council reported over 1,200 preventable battery fires - a staggering 70% increase from the previous year.
These incidents not only threaten infrastructure, but our colleagues working to deliver vital frontline service and also disrupt essential services. The financial cost is enormous too, with battery fires estimated to cost over £1 billion annually, factoring in damage to equipment and emergency response.
Earlier this year, a single battery sparked a fire at FCC Environment’s Red Lodge site near Newmarket. It took eight days and 660,000 litres of water to extinguish, causing £60,000 of damage and putting lives at risk.
This year, FCC Environment is working with Suffolk Council to urge residents to take extra care with battery disposal. The message is simple: “never put batteries or items containing batteries in your household bins”. Instead, like each of you locally, we are encouraging the public to take them to a battery recycling point including those at local recycling centres, participating shops, or if unsure, “let the experts at your recycling centre check it for you.”
We have been telling the public:
- Never put batteries or battery-powered items in your household bins.
- Use the battery recycling locator to find your nearest drop-off point: recyclenow.com/recycling-locator
- If in doubt, take the item to your local recycling centre for advice.
By strengthening battery disposal protocols and educating the public, local authorities can mitigate fire risks, safeguard staff and infrastructure. These measures are especially critical during peak periods, such as the festive season, when battery-containing waste surges.
Beyond fire prevention, recycling batteries is a crucial step in protecting our environment and conserving valuable resources. Many batteries contain metals like lithium, cobalt, and nickel - materials that can be recovered and reused in new products, reducing the need for mining and lowering our carbon footprint.
By recycling batteries, we’re not only keeping hazardous waste out of landfills but also supporting a circular economy where materials are given a second life. It’s a small action with a big impact, helping to ensure that the festive season - and every season - remains safe and sustainable for everyone.
Refuse and Recycling Collections - FCC Environment
